Name: Paula Deen Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies (about 7 oz each); 6 to 8 large bananas (sliced thin); 2 cups cold whole milk; 1 box (5 oz instant French vanilla pudding mix); 1 package (8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature); 1 can (14 oz sweetened condensed milk); 1 container (12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip))

Do you love desserts that are rich and creamy? Then you must try the Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe.

This dish is famous for a good reason. It is not your basic, runny pudding. It is thick, sweet, and absolutely delicious.

Table of Contents

Many people say it is the best banana pudding they have ever tasted. In this post, I will show you how to make Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding at home. You will love every single bite!

My Secret to the Perfect Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

The secret to this recipe is the texture. Most puddings use vanilla wafers. This version uses Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies.

These cookies are buttery and stay firm longer. They do not get mushy like regular crackers. Another secret is using a mix of cream cheese and condensed milk.

This creates a velvety base that feels like a fancy cheesecake. It makes the Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe stand out from the rest.

Equipment List

9×13 inch baking dish or large glass bowl
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Two large mixing bowls

A sturdy rubber spatula
A sharp knife for slicing bananas
Measuring cups and spoons

Recipe Overview

Recipe Name: Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding
Servings: 12 portions
Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 20 mins (plus chilling)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern American

Calories: 540 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies (about 7 oz each)
6 to 8 large bananas, sliced thin

2 cups cold whole milk
1 box (5 oz) instant French vanilla pudding mix
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 container (12 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

Paula Deen Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding Recipe

Step-by-Step Guide

Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish with one bag of cookies. Lay them flat in a single layer. Make sure the bottom is fully covered. This creates a solid, buttery base for your pudding.

2. Add the Fresh Fruit

Peel your bananas and slice them into thin rounds. Spread the slices evenly over the cookie layer. Use enough bananas so every bite has fruit. I usually use about seven large bananas for this step.

3. Whisk the Pudding Mix

In a medium bowl, combine the cold milk and the instant pudding mix. Use a whisk to blend them together. Let it sit for five minutes. It should become thick and smooth before you move on.

4. Cream the Cheese and Milk

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese. Add the sweetened condensed milk slowly. Mix until the texture is completely smooth. There should be no lumps left in the bowl at all.

5. Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula for this part. Do not overmix it. You want the mixture to stay light and fluffy for the best result.

6. Combine the Mixtures

Add the prepared vanilla pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Stir them together until the color is even. The result should be a thick, pale yellow cream. It smells amazing at this point!

7. Assemble the Pudding

Pour the creamy mixture over the bananas and cookies. Use your spatula to spread it to the edges. Ensure all the bananas are covered. This keeps the fruit from turning brown too quickly.

Take the second bag of Chessmen cookies. Arrange them neatly on top of the pudding layer. You can make a pretty pattern with them. Press them down very lightly so they stick.

9. Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least four hours. Overnight is even better. The cookies will soften slightly while the pudding becomes firm and cold.

Expert Tips & Variations

Use Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas with tiny brown spots. They are sweeter and have a better flavor.

Soften the Cream Cheese: This is very important. Cold cream cheese will leave tiny lumps in your pudding.
Try Different Cookies: If you cannot find Chessmen, use shortbread cookies or graham crackers.
Add Extra Toppings: You can drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.

Individual Servings: Try making this in small mason jars for parties. It looks very cute and professional.

A Little Backstory on This Recipe

I first tried this pudding at a family BBQ years ago. I thought I knew what banana pudding tasted like.

But after one spoonful, I realized I was wrong! This was so much richer than the box mixes I grew up with.

It felt like a special treat made with love. Paula Deen really knows how to make Southern comfort food.

Ever since that day, I make this for every holiday. My friends always ask for the recipe before they even finish their plate.

Best Recipes to Enjoy Alongside Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

This dessert is quite rich, so it pairs well with savory foods. Try serving it after a meal of Southern Fried Chicken or BBQ Pulled Pork.

It also goes great with a light Loaded Potato Salad. If you want a full Southern feast, serve it alongside some Baked Spaghetti. The cool pudding balances out the heat and salt of these main dishes perfectly.

Occasion or Event Ideas

Summer Cookouts: It is cold and refreshing for a hot day outside.
Holiday Potlucks: This dish travels well and everyone loves it.

Birthday Parties: It is a great alternative to cake for banana lovers.
Sunday Dinner: A classic way to end a big family meal.
Office Parties: It is easy to scoop and serve to many people.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Always keep this pudding in the fridge. It contains dairy and fruit.
Shelf Life: It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this pudding. The bananas will turn mushy and the dairy might separate.

Cover It Tight: Use plastic wrap or a lid. This prevents the pudding from absorbing fridge smells.
Serving: Serve it straight from the fridge while it is still very cold.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	540 kcal
Total Fat	28g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	390mg
Carbohydrates	62g
Sugar	45g
Protein	7g

FAQs about Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding

Can I use vanilla wafers instead of Chessmen cookies?

Yes, you can certainly use vanilla wafers if you prefer. However, the Chessmen cookies provide a unique buttery taste. They also hold their shape much better than wafers do in the pudding.

How do I stop the bananas from turning brown?

The best way is to make sure they are fully covered by the pudding mixture. This blocks the air from reaching the fruit. You can also toss slices in a little lemon juice first.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can try using sugar-free pudding mix and sugar-free condensed milk. You would also need sugar-free cookies. The taste will change slightly, but it will still be a very creamy and cool dessert.

How long does it need to chill?

You should chill it for at least four hours. This allows the cookies to bond with the cream. If you serve it too early, the pudding might be a bit too soft.

Final Thoughts

The Paula Deen Not Yo Mama’s Banana Pudding Recipe is a true classic. It is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

With its creamy layers and buttery cookies, it feels like a dream. I hope you enjoy making this for your family. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!